The network's newest hire appeared on 'Today' via satellite from St. Petersburg, Russia, confirming that on Friday she will be sitting down with Vladimir Putin after the World Economic Forum for a one-on-one interview.

Kelly got a warm welcome from 'Today' anchors Savannah Guthrie, Matt Lauer and Hoda Kotb back in New York, and returned their greeting with some cheerful thanks, telling Lauer and Guthrie how happy she was to be part of the team.

She neglected however to mention Kotb, who appeared shocked for a second and then jokingly put up her hands in disbelief.